Blake Geoffrion retiring from hockey

Montreal, QC (Sports Network) - Eight months after suffering a serious head
injury, Blake Geoffrion has decided to retire from professional hockey.

The 25-year-old forward made the announcement through a release issued by the
Montreal Canadiens.

Geoffrion was hurt last November in a game with the Hamilton Bulldogs,
Montreal's American Hockey League affiliate. Playing against the Syracuse
Crunch at the Bell Centre, Geoffrion took a hit from defenseman J.P. Cote
along the boards that resulted in a depressed skull fracture.

"After suffering an injury in November and taking time to recover and reflect,
I have decided to step away from the game of hockey for the time being. I
would like to thank (owner) Geoff Molson, (general manager) Marc Bergevin, the
entire Montreal Canadiens organization as well as the Hamilton Bulldogs
organization for everything they have done for me. They have been unwavering
in their support, professionalism and kindness. I cannot thank them enough,"
Geoffrion said in a statement Monday.

The 2010 Hobey Baker Award winner, Geoffrion posted eight goals and five
assists in 55 NHL games with Nashville and Montreal. His grandfather and
great-grandfather are Canadiens legends and Hall-of-Famers Bernie "Boom Boom"
Geoffrion and Howie Morenz.

The Predators drafted Blake Geoffrion in the second round (56th overall) of
the 2006 draft.